Hehe, fun chapter ahead XD I also want to thank you guys for leaving supportive comments for the last chapter, it really does help a lot more than you think.

Cuz… though I didn't realise it before… there's some more time skipping at the beginning of this chapter too -_- But… I guess you can just refer to the first ten chapters, not including the introduction, as sort of a… warm-up to the entire story? That sort of how I organized things. So yeah, hopefully things will be a little more detailed and move slower after this, if everything goes right :P

I do not own Axis Powers Hetalia.

…

June. Exams. Why?

Ivan had been slipping a bit lately with his studies. His problem for the month of June was simple: the month of May. Warmth. Happiness. Madeline. They had taken it easy, but also took advantage of the wonderful heat, even if Ivan was sweating a bit as he refused to take off his coat… at least, outside. Inside, he decided that taking off some clothing wasn't anything to be ashamed of if it was just Madeline, and it WAS getting quite hot by now. Walks, talks, games… Ivan found himself consumed with spending time with her, and began to neglect his studies during the most important time of the year. He started forgetting his books and staying at the hospital longer than usual, which resulted in not exactly remembering a lot of what he was taught.

Which was why, now that June and preparation for exams was here, he had to work a bit harder than usual. He realised this was a bit irresponsible, but so long as the next month went by smoothly, summer would be a great reward. Madeline, upon discovering his predicament, immediately commanded him to stay at home more and leave her room earlier. She, too, realised that studying was important for her at this point. After all, she hadn't done much for months due to her condition. Arthur was happy to comply.

So June became the month of studying and worrying. But at least Madeline was a getting better, slowly but surely. She, once again, happily listened to what Ivan was learning in school, and as of late was also listening to stories about Russia such as legends, old songs, and myths. She seemed interested in the culture, which made him happy and eager to share information with the girl. Russia was, after all, the most magnificent country the world had ever seen… well… in IVAN'S point of view.

Katyusha and the rest of those living under the same house as Ivan were all wondering why he had decided to stay in Canada rather than going to his homeland for the summer. But they dare not ask him. All were a bit afraid that Ivan may become angry, should they pry into his life too much. For now, he was doing alright. Actually, he was doing better than he had ever been before. And so, the Braginski's and the Von Bock's did not try to pry into the teen's personal information, for they were not sure of the outcome.

Ivan was aware of this of course, certain things were quite obvious to him. His so-called "family" would leave him alone so long as he seemed to be getting better. They allowed him to make his own choices, and if he didn't want to go back to Russia, they wouldn't make him… this time. But Ivan still knew that someday, General Winter may disagree with this, and once General Winter decided something, Katyusha would probably obey it.

And he, too, would be forced to comply.

…

"You're exams are just a week away, eh? You should be studying." Madeline sighed from her bed. She was still required to lie down and relax a lot, though sleeping wasn't very common anymore.

"I know everything." Ivan replied stubbornly from his chair, where he was currently drawing pictures of sunflowers and vodka bottles on a piece of paper he found on Madeline's desk. She smiled grabbed his pencil, drawing his full attention to her.

"Everything, eh?" she asked. He took back his pencil, pursed his lips, nodded, and put his attention back to his sunflowers.

"Everything. I am smart. Lessons have stopped. We are now doing reviews at school." He explained to the girl like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Then, he looked up to her once again, this time with more seriousness.

"Now… a very important question. Please be honest." He said in a low, more mature voice than he usually used. Madeline, with both curiosity and a tad bit of worry, leaned forward.

"What is it, Ivan?"

"Should I draw bunnies drinking vodka in my sunflower field, or perhaps cats? I think both would be cute… but having them together just wouldn't work for me. Cats tend to become easily drunk and…"

"Ivan…"

"Da?"

"…Draw polar bears and beavers, silly."

…

"Exams are coming closer, eh?"

"Da, I still know everything."

"Do you now?"

"Da."

"Well, I'm happy to say that the doctors are quite pleased with how fast I've recovered… they said that I did really well this year."

Ivan could believe that. He saw that Madeline spent less and less time in bed, and more walking and sitting in the chair by the window. Her energy was building, and by the time summer vacation started in a couple of weeks, he was confident that she would be able to do a lot, so long as he was there to help. And he knew that, once he finished exams, there was one thing he really wanted to do.

"I have a birthday present for you." He said. She paused, smile disappearing within curiosity.

"Eh?"

"A reward… perhaps… for both of us." He explained. "Although… finishing exams isn't much to be rewarded for…"

"It still seems stressful." Madeline concluded.

"For some yes…"

"You can admit you're stressed by it, if you want to. I won't think any less of you."

"Nyet."

"Okay… but anyways, what is this birthday present you're talking about?" Madeline asked curiously. Ivan smiled.

"A surprise…"

"Well I hope it's nothing big, all I got you for your birthday was a quilt."

"It's not really all that big, and besides, I know you worked hard on that."

"But Mr. Bonnefoy-Kirkland…"

"Leave it alone, Madeline." He said with a light smile. She sighed and pouted at him.

"Fine."

Now, Ivan's plan was quite simple: The Canada Day Carnival. It took place on Madeline's birthday, and by then they would both be free of stress and hopefully healthy. It was the perfect thing for them to do, though he hadn't quite thought much of it through yet.

As for Madeline's reaction upon hearing this… well… she was quite excited. She knew that whatever Ivan had planned would be something enjoyed, because every small thing he had done for her so far had made her extremely happy.

And quietly, to herself, Madeline had an odd knowledge… even stronger than hope… that she made Ivan happy too. In fact, it was just common knowledge, by now.

…

Ivan did not cram, that wasn't really the way he handled exams. When he did them, he was well-rested and, for the most part, prepared. And in the end, regardless of his slacking off, he wound up with no stress due to catching up (and maybe that was a bit last-minute but still).

"Good luck." Madeline bid him the night before the both dreaded and loved final week of school began.

"Thank you." He answered as he walked out the door. He knew that this next week was important for both of them. Well… him not so much as her, actually.

After all, she needed to be healthy, for both of them, and both of their happiness. Both were aware that on Madeline's birthday, they would probably be happy no matter what… but to Ivan's knowledge, for them to both be able to have some fun and excitement for a day was something quite looked forward to.

…

With light calluses still on his hands from the English exam he had just finished, Ivan entered Madeline's room with a grin.

"I am finished." He concluded. She was standing up, fully dressed, hair done quite nicely and cheeks a rosier than they had been all winter. He realised she had finally made a full recover… and compared to the past few months, "healthy".

"That's good!" She answered him. "So… this is summer vacation for you?" He nodded excitedly, ready for a small break.

"Well, I'm proud of you!" Madeline smiled. Ivan shook his head.

"Nyet, I am much prouder of you!"

…

"The Canada Day Carnival?" Dr. Bonnefoy-Kirkland asked curiously.

"Da… she has made a very good recovery, hasn't she? Good enough to come… I was hoping…"

Now, Ivan had planned his day at the carnival quite well, and was looking forward to it… but he had forgotten the fact that he wasn't exactly allowed to take Madeline there without permission from the doctors. He hadn't thought this through very well yet, and judging by Dr. Bonnefoy-Kirkland's wary look, he suddenly realised that perhaps he should have.

"I do not know Ivan… a simple walk is fine but…it is going to be hot… and a lot of walking… and crowded… and the food there is so unhealthy… well, perhaps one small sugary treat may be fine but… oh, some of the rides will increase her heart rate and I'm not sure how safe that will be…" the Doctor rambled on and the worry became more and more evident on her face. Ivan's worry was also rising… he hadn't considered all those things… what if taking Madeline was a bad idea after all? He felt a sense of dread get stronger and stronger.

"Kesese! If it's a problem, I'll solve it!" A German accented voice boomed and the albino owner of it appeared from behind the corner of a wall.

"You were eavesdropping." Ivan stated, crossing his arms. The albino growled at him.

"Do not fight s'il vous plais." Dr. Bonnefoy-Kirkland raised her arms up in defence before things could escalate. Both males backed down, but continued furious glares and evil grins.

"Well I figured I could be awesome as usual and take Birdie along with creepo to the carnival if health's a problem." Gilbert huffed. "I was going to go with my little bro Luddy, but he decided to run off with Feli instead so now I'm alone… not that I'm complaining! Because being along is awesome… yeah!"

"But… you've never taken her anywhere before… none of us have." Francis put in. Gilbert sniffed and shrugged carelessly.

"Well it would be weird if she was alone with me, even I know that! Besides, she'd probably never let me do anything for her. She got in enough of a fuss when I tried to buy her ice cream that one time." Gilbert frowned and rolled his eyes, "But it seems like when he's around she lets people be a little nicer to her."

"True… I suppose if you watch her closely…" Francis considered. Gilbert rolled his eyes.

"Seriously Franny, she's not a paper doll! She's going to be sixteen by the time she goes! And you saw how well she's been doing!" Gilbert explained. Ivan wasn't sure whose side take… the worried or the care-free side.

"Oui… but I would just feel so awful if anything happened to her…still, I suppose that it won't be that bad, especially if you're there." Francis went into deep thought, tenseness beginning to fade.

"I am going to own this whole place someday… maybe… though Luddy seems a little more suited for the job even though he's still in high school…" Gilbert, now beginning to get off track, laughed and threw his head up in the air childishly. Francis finally allowed a smile.

"I suppose you are technically a doctor… well… what do you think, Ivan?" Both doctors turned to the unsuspecting Russian suddenly. His mind faltered into jumbled ideas and confusion.

"If you're sure it won't hurt her…"

"Non, I give you permission. Please do not worry about this beautiful maiden's troubles." Francis put her hand to her head gracefully, but Gilbert began to snicker.

"More like old lady's panicking."

"Excusez-moi?"

…

It was three o'clock on the dot when they climbed into the back seat of Gilbert's car together.

"Have you got everything?" Ivan asked as he did his seatbelt. Madeline nodded.

"Bug spray, sunscreen, sunhat…" she trailed off. "And this sundress that Dr. Bonnefoy-Kirkland really wanted me to wear for some reason. At least it's red and white for Canada Day!"

Her dress was red with a couple of white flowers embroidered in, and it flowed past her knees gracefully Her sunhat was an average straw one that had a white ribbon she tied around it herself. She looked like a stereotypical valley girl or something… and strongly smelled of bug spray and sunscreen. But somehow, it suited the Canadian girl.

Ivan had also decided to show some respect. He kept on his white scarf and managed to find a long, baggy red shirt in his dresser to cover his scars. It was light, so it would keep him cool.

"So… will you tell me where we're going now?" Madeline asked as Gilbert jumped into the driver's seat in front of them like a kid calling shotgun.

"I think it'd be more fun if we wait until we get there!" Gilbert said as he started the car. Madeline smiled at his childishness and turned once again to Ivan.

"Well… I'm excited!"

It was a twenty minute drive, and most of the way Madeline stared out the window, enjoying the view greatly.

"You… have been in a car before, right?" Ivan asked unsurely. Madeline jumped a bit, for she was probably in a trance of some sort.

"Um… yes… a couple of times… but I was sick and it was for going to a couple of larger hospitals for special tests. I do love car drives though! Except I slept most of the way…" she blushed sheepishly.

"The awesome me tried to keep her awake, but Birdie was out in ten minutes every single time she got in the car!"

"Sorry…"

"Don't apologize." Gilbert and Ivan answered in union.

…

They drove for a while longer, enjoying the soothing rhythm of the engine and wheels working in harmony. Gilbert had said been boasting before about his German-made "baby". And Ivan had to admit, it was quite the nice car. Not something fancy, but a light grey, clean, and comfortable automobile.

"Almost there." Gilbert called. Madeline looked at the doctor's back, once again being pulled from a mini-trance. She straightened up, and a smile that could not be contained tugged at her lips. Her hand balled up around the red and white fabric of her dress. She began to, probably unknown to her own conscience, click her heels together.

A collaboration of colours became viewable from the distance. Ivan also felt excitement rise slowly into his chest. He had not been to a carnival in years, and was actually looking forward to the rest of this day. There was supposed to be a lot: rides, games, and at night: fireworks.

Finally, the place became completely visible. Immediately, Ivan looked over to Madeline just as she finally realised where they were going. A child-like wonder shone in her now widening eyes. Her whole body froze up.

There was a large dirt parking lot in front, and as they pulled in to attempt a good space Madeline opened her mouth.

"Is this…?"

"This is where we'll be the rest of the night."

"Oh, Ivan…" Madeline started, but Ivan interrupted her.

"If you say anything about how 'you didn't have to do this' or…" he began, but this time he was interrupted.

"Thank you." She smiled at him one of the sunniest and most honest smiles he had ever seen. Naturally, he returned it to her.

…

"Okay okay okay! What ride first!" Gilbert spit out as he looked around in fascination.

"We just got here; let us stretch our legs before anything…" Ivan called from behind in annoyance, a more sinister smile replacing his honest one. Gilbert pouted.

"Fine! Okay, let's go look at the farm animals or something… ah look, horseback riding! Too bad Ivan's too huge to do that one! You'd break the poor horse's back! Kesesese!" Gilbert was having a great time already, it seemed. Meanwhile, Madeline was getting dizzy as she spun around, trying to take in all the colours, scents, and people.

It was a bit crowded, but not too bad. All were wearing red and white. After all, this wasn't just Heta, it was the entire region that had planned and attended this thing. There were about twenty different rides, all classic ones you'd see at most fairs or carnivals. There was also the agriculture section where Gil claimed they were headed, which had horseback riding, and petting zoo, and just a bunch of horses on display. A lot of stands were lined up everywhere selling small goods, and there were also game booths and booths selling cotton candy and candy apples. All in all, it was your classic carnival.

Ivan had to take Madeline by the wrist and lead her to the barns and stables so they could follow Gilbert. Obviously, she was already having the time of her life… which gave Ivan a bit of pride. That smile on her face was worth being stuck with Dr. Gilbert all day.

…

"It's so cute!" Madeline squeaked as she pet a baby lamb and fed it some of the feed they had bought. Ivan, behind her, also adored the soft white lamb they were petting along with a few much younger children. The timid creature appeared to be enjoying the attention.

As they went around seeing the animals, Madeline would always comment on how gentle Ivan was with them. He would just blush and continue what he was doing. Secretly, he loved cute things. He couldn't help but smile at the creatures he fed and pet. Some parents and children looked at him strangely, as if they thought he was going to

Meanwhile, Dr. Gilbert was arguing with a young lady about how he wasn't too big to ride the ponies. Ivan just snickered each time he found himself staring at the end.

In the end, Gilbert just ended up playing with some birds that were included in the petting zoo… and almost stealing a couple…

…

After an hour or so, they left and continued on with the rest of the fair. Ivan suggested a couple of game booths. He offered to pay, but Madeline insisted that she didn't want to waste his money since she would probably loose, since he had already paid for her admission. So, Gilbert went off to play a couple (Ivan was paying for everything, after all), and the two teens watched him and Ivan even participated in a couple. However, neither male had any luck and didn't end up winning anything.

"Surely you can play one game Madeline." Ivan insisted. She frowned.

"All these games seem to take skills I don't really have…" she mumbled.

"How about the draw? We'll put your name in!" Gilbert yelled, pointing to a man sitting in a booth with a large sign. Apparently, there was going to be a draw held in the late in the evening with several unnamed prizes. Madeline smiled.

"Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt…" she chuckled. They walked over, bought her a ticket, and in neat letters she signed her name and placed it in a box.

"Hope you have better luck than me and butterfingers over there." Gilbert laughed. Ivan just pouted, not in the mood for anger.

…

"Is it really okay for is to share?"

"Well, I don't think you'd be able to finish the whole thing by yourself. Neither would I, really."

It was getting a bit later with evening coming close, and Gilbert had really wanted to go on some of the more "exciting" rides which Madeline wasn't recommended to go on. When he left, Ivan bought a candy apple for him and Madeline to share.

"You take one side and I take the other. I promise I have no lip disease." He chuckled. She blushed.

"I never said that!"

"Hmm?"

They paused, and then laughed together. Ivan took a lick of his side, savouring the sweetness, and then offered it to Madeline. Shyly, she also took a small lick, and then grinned brightly.

"It's so sweet!" She cried with amazement. Ivan nodded in agreement.

"It is quite good."

They each took turns licking their own side of the candy apple as they waited for Gilbert to return to the bench they were sitting on and agreed to meet him at. Slowly, the sun started to set. As people slowed down and started finding places to sit, Madeline sighed sleepily and laid back.

"Are you sleepy?" Ivan asked.

"A bit… you can have the rest of the candy apple; it's starting to make my mouth sticky." She laughed lightly. He nodded, since there was only a bit of candy and mostly the actual apple left. He quickly finished it and realised it was getting even darker. Then, Madeline gasped.

"There are lights starting to light up everywhere!" She awed. And it was true, the darker it got, the brighter they shone. It was becoming quite the beautiful view. He noticed more people lining up for the Ferris wheel others placing blankets on the fields nearby.

"Hm… a lot of people probably want a better a view of the fireworks." He figured. Madeline's eyes widened.

"Fireworks?" she asked, surprised. He realised he had yet to tell her about these.

"Well what would Canada Day be without them?" he chuckled. Suddenly, someone called for them.

"Hey! Birdie, Ivan! Get over here in line with me and Antonio!" It was Gilbert in front of the line for the Ferris wheel, along with the familiar Dr. Antonio. Ivan and Madeline quickly complied, walking over and standing next to them.

"Take our places, would you? Gilbert and I saw some girls and would much rather…" Gilbert elbowed Antonio, who laughed.

"Hopefully you kids get a good view, and don't do any kissing or the world will have one less Russian!" Gilbert warned. Together, they left, leaving Ivan and Madeline standing there.

"Next in line!" the man called. Ivan looked to Madeline.

"Well? Are you afraid of heights?" he asked. She tilted her head.

"Not sure…"

"I suppose we'll have to find out." He smiled, and together they walked up to climb into a booth. The man closed the door and Madeline fidgeted.

"I-Is this safe?"

"Don't worry, you'll be okay."

The wheel started up and Madeline gasped. Though she was sitting across from Ivan, she grabbed his hands. He blushed and looked away, but allowed it since she was nervous.

She had her eyes closed for a bit, but after a few moments slowly opened them to look down. Then, she gasped. By now, it was quite dark, and the whole fair was filled with flashing lights. Their booth would go, then freeze, then go, then freeze, getting higher and higher with a more and more beautiful view. Both admired the sights of people looking tinier and tinier, with colourful lights dancing as far as they could see.

"Ivan… thank you so much for this…" Madeline suddenly said, finally letting go of his hands. He turned to her to see she once again had one of those wonderful, honest smiles.

"Well… it's your birthday. And hopefully a start to a great summer." He answered quietly, not being able to help smiling back yet again.

Then, they realised they had reached the top of the wheel. And then, there was a loud boom. Both gasped and looked up where lights began to fire up the black sky.

"This is luck…" Ivan whispered in disbelief.

"A lot of luck." Madeline answered.

They watched the beautiful sights until they descended to the ground.

…

"Well, you look exhausted Birdie. Glad you had fun though. Better get you to bed missy." Gilbert chuckled as he walked beside Madeline and Ivan. Ivan noticed Madeline swaying and stumbling a bit and knew that it was defiantly time to go home.

"One more announcement before you leave folks!" a speaker suddenly boomed. All three stopped before they went any closer to the parking space.

"I'd like to announce the winners to our draw… and first prize goes to…"

He read off a couple of names, and people ran up to claim things like bikes, toys, and other common prizes.

"And finally, please come on up…" a pause, "Madeline Williams!"

"All three jumped and felt happiness at the name. Madeline came out of her sleepy trance and looked around confused.

"Eh?"

"Go to the booth, Birdie!" Gilbert laughed and pushed her lightly to the direction. Shyly, she obeyed. The man there kindly handed her a large paper bag before she returned, arms full.

"Well what is it?" Gilbert pried. Madeline giggled.

"Wait till we get to the car, Dr. Gilbert!" she sighed tiredly.

…

When they finally had themselves settled, all three waited patiently as traffic moved slowly to get out. Madeline opened her bag and let out a small giggle.

"What is it?" Ivan asked. Madeline pulled the object from the bag. Since it was dark, Ivan turned on the car light.

It was a bear.

A black teddy bear.

He smiled.

"For you." Madeline immediately said, gently placing it on her companion's lap. Ivan's smile fell.

"Hm? But…"

"I already have one, Kuma will get jealous. This way he can have a friend." She explained. Ivan paused for a few moments, and then gave in.

"Da, a friend. A good friend."

"Well, what will you name it?"

"Catharine."

"It's a girl?"

"Da!"

"Then they can get married!"

"I think you're going a bit too far…"

"I guess Kuma is kind of old for her."

"Madeline, I think you need some sleep."

…

I'm so happy I finally got to write this chapter! Though it's longer than I planned… and yeah… finally a little bit of cheesy cliché romantic crap XD

Hope you enjoyed~